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EDC, MasterCard Foundation Set To Empower Nigerian Youths With Entrepreneurial Skills

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Mastercard Foundation and the Enterprise Development Centre, an arm of the Lagos Business School, are set to launch the Transforming Nigerian Youths program. Recognizing that employment is a pathway out of poverty, the program seeks to create a network of entrepreneurial and managerial change makers, particularly young people and women across the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector, in Nigeria. In a bid to help reduce the unemployment rate in the country, the free training program aims to boost employment creation and sustainable livelihoods.

This program is open to all and is primarily focused on the Lagos, Kano, and Kaduna states. Through this program, 40,000 young people will be supported with the resources and learning required to start, grow, and expand their businesses. The program will also provide support and resources to young people who want to become employable in the creative and agricultural sectors.

In the last decade, Nigeria’s unemployment rate has continued to increase. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the unemployment rate as at the second quarter of 2020 was 27.1 percent, indicating that about 21,764,614 (21.7 million) Nigerians remain unemployed, of which 13.9 million are young people.

Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of the Pan-Atlantic University, a leading enterprise development Centre, has in the last 17 years, provided support services to thousands of SMEs through capacity building, advisory services, and partnerships with organizations that have an interest in the development of the SME sector in Nigeria.

“We are excited to be part of the Transforming Nigerian Youths program to empower young Nigerians, especially women. It will serve as a catalyst for entrepreneurial reorientation, job creation, and sustainable livelihood,” says Mr. Peter Bamkole,Director, Enterprise Development Centre, Pan-Atlantic University.

The intervention will scale EDC’s online learning capabilities to provide core business training to an even broader grouping of SMEs in the agricultural and creative sectors of the economy. It will also ensure that even the most marginalized, including young women in the north, can access this world class training.

“Young Africa Works in Nigeria is committed to enabling opportunity for at least eight million young Nigerians. Entrepreneurship will play a key role in achieving this goal. Fortunately, Nigeria also has no shortage of young entrepreneurs. This initiative, which is part of the Mastercard Foundation’s Young Africa Works strategy, will prepare and enable young people to pursue their aspirations and create productive livelihoods for themselves and others,” says ChidinmaLawanson, Country Head, Nigeria at the Mastercard Foundation.

The Mastercard Foundation works with visionary organizations to enable young people in Africa and in Indigenous communities in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work. It is one of the largest, private foundations in the world with a mission to advance learning and promote financial inclusion to create an inclusive and equitable world. The Foundation was created by Mastercard in 2006 as an independent organization with its own Board of Directors and management.

Young Africa Works is the Mastercard Foundation’s strategy to enable 30 million young people, particularly young women, across Africa to access dignified work. Africa will be home to the world’s largest workforce, with 375 million young people entering the job market by 2030. With the right skills, these young people will contribute to Africa’s global competitiveness and improve their lives and those of their communities. The Mastercard Foundation will implement Young Africa Works in 10 African countries in collaboration with governments, private sector, entrepreneurs, educators, and young people. The first phase of countries identified by the Mastercard Foundation are Rwanda, Kenya, Ghana, Senegal, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Nigeria.

Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) is the Entrepreneurship Centre of the Pan-Atlantic University. The Centre emerged in 2003 as a direct response to the dearth of available professional business development and support services to small and growing businesses in Nigeria. EDC provides bespoke and cost-effective training for SMEs aimed at the development of the SME sector in Nigeria.

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Grace Nation Worldwide Celebrates  Dr. Chris Okafor’s Birthday Amid Easter Reflections

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Grace Nation Worldwide Celebrates  Dr. Chris Okafor’s Birthday Amid Easter Reflections

 

Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” — Dr. Chris Okafor

 

 

Grace Nation Worldwide marked a special occasion as members gathered at the international headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria, to celebrate the birthday of the Generational Prophet and Senior Pastor, Christopher Okafor, who turned a year older on April 4, 2026.

A Service of Thanksgiving and Celebration

 

The atmosphere was filled with gratitude as sons and daughters of the ministry came together to appreciate God for the life and impact of their spiritual leader.

The celebration featured a variety of activities, including special musical renditions, Bible recitations, choreography presentations, and a vibrant praise and worship session led by the Liberation Voices.

 

The highlight of the event was the ceremonial cutting of the birthday cake, followed by joyful celebration and thanksgiving, all dedicated to the glory of God.

 

Teaching on the Death and Resurrection of Christ ,Earlier in the day, the service also commemorated the resurrection of Jesus Christ, with Dr. Okafor delivering a message on “The Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.”

 

In his teaching, he described the sacrifice of Christ at Calvary as the foundation of the Christian faith.

 

“The death of Jesus represents the depth of God’s love for humanity,” he said, while emphasizing that the resurrection is the ultimate confirmation and strength of the believer’s faith.

 

The State of Humanity Before Redemption

 

Dr. Okafor explained that before the sacrifice of Christ, humanity was bound by sin, subject to judgment, and separated from God. He highlighted the consequences of the fall of man, including spiritual loss and the inevitability of judgment.

The Purpose of Christ’s Sacrifice

 

According to the cleric, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ brought restoration and reconciliation between God and humanity.

“When a person is restored to God, life becomes meaningful,” he noted, adding that the sacrifice of Christ signifies the forgiveness of sin and a new beginning for believers.

 

A Message of Hope

In conclusion, Dr. Okafor stated that the resurrection of Jesus Christ provides believers with the opportunity to live a fruitful and abundant life, anchored in faith and divine purpose.

The combined celebration of his birthday and the message of Easter created a moment of reflection, joy, and renewed commitment among members of Grace Nation Worldwide.

 

Grace Nation Worldwide Celebrates 

Dr. Chris Okafor’s Birthday Amid Easter Reflections

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IGP Disu Unveils New Security Vehicles, Bikes In Ogun

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IGP Disu Unveils New Security Vehicles, Bikes In Ogun, 

 

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on Saturday took centre stage at the commissioning of landmark projects in Ogun State, reaffirming the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to strengthening national security and deepening collaboration with state authorities.

The high-profile event, attended by top government officials and security stakeholders, highlighted the strategic importance of security in driving development. Disu’s presence underscored ongoing efforts by the Police leadership to align operational priorities with infrastructural growth across the country.

A key highlight of the ceremony was the commissioning of new security vehicles and electric motorbikes aimed at boosting the operational capacity of security agencies in the state. The IGP commended the Ogun State Government for what he described as a proactive and forward-thinking approach to security, noting that the newly deployed assets would significantly enhance rapid response and patrol efficiency.

He stressed that effective policing remains central to maintaining peace and order, assuring residents that the Force would continue to evolve strategies to tackle emerging threats. According to him, the Nigeria Police Force is committed to working closely with both the Federal Government and sub-national authorities to ensure the safety of lives and property.

Disu further called on members of the public to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information, describing community cooperation as vital in combating crime and sustaining a secure environment.

The Police leadership also expressed appreciation to the Ogun State Government and other dignitaries for their continued partnership, noting that such collaboration is essential to advancing security initiatives and fostering national development.

 

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PDP Stalwart, Fagbemi, Resigns From Party in Ogbomoso South

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*PDP Stalwart, Fagbemi, Resigns From Party in Ogbomoso South*

 

A former Secretary of Ogbomoso South Local Government, Temidayo Fagbemi, has formally resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party.

 

Fagbemi, a major financier of the PDP in the area, tendered his resignation in a letter addressed to the Ward Chairman of the party in Ijeru II, Ogbomoso South.

 

In his letter, Fagbemi stated that leaving the party he had diligently supported, contributing to PDP’s victories at both the state and local government levels for two consecutive terms, was a difficult but necessary decision.

 

He wrote: “I, Temidayo Fagbemi, hereby submit my resignation as a member of the PDP.”

 

“My decision to leave the party, which I worked hard to support and helped secure victory at both the state and local levels for two consecutive terms, is not an easy one. However, it has become necessary.”

 

He thanked party leaders for the years of shared political engagement and wished them success in their forthcoming primaries.

 

His resignation marks a significant development within the Ogbomoso South PDP, given his influence, contributions, and long-standing role in strengthening the party’s structure.

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